Unlike a handful of other rebuilding clubs, the Magic won’t have cap room available this summer. However, president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman tells Josh Robbins of The Orlando Sentinel that the club will have its full mid-level exception available. As Weltman observes, even without any cap space, that full MLE puts the Magic in a better position than many teams round the NBA.
“I think there are dozen or so teams that are facing the tax this year,” Weltman said. “The league is very compressed financially this summer. We’re certainly not in an elite flexibility position, but I don’t think we’re at the other end of the spectrum, either. We’re probably somewhere in the middle.”
While Weltman didn’t offer any real specifics on the Magic’s free agent targets, he said that the team is “hopeful” it can reach an agreement with Aaron Gordon, and added that the front office will talk to Mario Hezonja‘s representatives to see if a deal can be made on that front.
Here’s more from around the Southeast:
- In a conversation of his own with Josh Robbins of The Orlando Sentinel, new Magic head coach Steve Clifford discusses his thoughts on Mohamed Bamba, the team’s center logjam, and his face-to-face visit with Aaron Gordon.
- Following the trade that sent Marcin Gortat to Los Angeles, the Wizards are in desperate need of more frontcourt bodies. Chase Hughes of NBC Sports Washington explores some of the club’s options for acquiring more big men.
- Although the Wizards traded Gortat, president of basketball operations Ernie Grunfeld sounds positive about most of the rest of the team’s core. As Chase Hughes of NBC Sports Washington details, Grunfeld’s comments suggest that the club will make it a priority to maintain continuity heading into 2018/19.
- Rick Bonnell of The Charlotte Observer takes a closer look at the Hornets‘ decision to trade Dwight Howard will impact Nicolas Batum, Cody Zeller, and new head coach James Borrego.
The Hornets need to move Kidd-Gilchrist with Kemba to make room for Miles Bridges and Malik Monk to get more playing time. The Hornets future is Bridges,Monk, and Willy. Start getting those guys starters minutes and rebuild.
Why is always Willy, Willy, Willy?
–Juan
Austin Rivers and a 2nd for Vucevic?Thoughts?
No reason for the Magic to do that.
They have a lot of bigs and only 1 point guard on the roster
But they could prob get more for him or a better guard
I really think the Wizards and Grizzlies should work out a trade.
Wizards get
Chandler Parsons, Ivan Rabb, future 1st rounder
Grizzlies get
Otto Porter
It would give the Wizards a potential comeback in Parsons, some cheap size in Rabb, and a future pick. It would give the Grizzlies a wing they desperately need to pair with Conley and Gasol to try and make another run in the West.
Wiz pass easy
Not exactly a convincing argument, but you have a right to your opinion I guess.
He was referring to his prostrate.
Wizards would rather stick with Porter who they already know can play than risk seeing if Parsons can comeback
Vucevic is a very good NBA player, last years almost all-star numbers, 17/9/3, while Rivers is very below average guard, their salaries might match but there talent not, Vucevic is at least 10 times better man.
Maybe Rivers for Biyombo is more like for like talent wise.
Vucevic for Dennis Schroder you heard it here first. Magic need a solid point guard and Atlanta needs a center and an open starting spot for Trae Young.
That’s not a horrible idea for Orlando, particularly if they get Aaron Gordon locked up long term.
I hated the Trae Young pick, but now that he’s there, the Hawks really have to go all in on him. And a front court featuring Vucevic and John Collins would be pretty good.